Debate Gaining Strength
Over Government's Insurance Role

Obama Seeks More,
McCain Opposes It;
Untested Safety Net

Gustav and storms that follow it this election year could energize a debate over whether the federal government should insure against extreme weather, and in effect subsidize coastal growth.

The topic is particularly sensitive because of hurricane-prone Florida's political importance. Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential nominee, supports the concept of the federal government becoming more involved in covering natural disasters, an idea championed by Florida's Republican governor, Charlie Crist. Sen. John McCain,...